Vehicle Damage Warnings

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System

CAUTION: Do not remove the PCV system from the engine. Operating engine without PCV system will reduce both fuel economy and engine ventilation. This will weaken engine performance and shorten engine life.


CAUTION: When servicing exhaust system or removing exhaust components, disconnect all heated oxygen sensors at the wiring connectors to prevent damage to the heated oxygen sensors and wiring harness.

Fuel System

CAUTION: Leaded fuel must not be used in a vehicle fitted with a three way catalytic converter. The lead will damage the catalyst.

The following precautions must be observed when operating a vehicle equipped with three way catalytic converters.

If a vehicle is continually mis-fueled:

^ the lead in the fuel will be deposited in the converter and completely blanket the catalyst.

^ lead combines chemically with platinum to damage the catalyst.

^ continuous use of leaded fuels can destroy the catalyst and render the converter useless.

The addition of lead to the converter can also solidify the catalyst, causing:

^ excessive back pressure in the exhaust system.

^ possible engine damage.

Extremely high temperatures of 1100°C (2012°F) or over, due to misfiring or over-rich fuel lair mixture, will cause the ceramic base to sinter or burn, destroying the converter.


The three way catalytic converter has been designed to provide a long service life. No maintenance is necessary for the three way catalytic converter, however, avoid the following conditions:

^ Do not drive downhill with the gears engaged and the ignition switch OFF.

^ Do not drive with misfiring engine.

^ Do not run the engine continuously with a misfiring spark plug. When idling is unstable or when the engine lacks power, refer to the Powertrain Control I Emissions Diagnosis Manual1.

WARNING: DO NOT SMOKE OR CARRY LIGHTED TOBACCO OR OPEN FLAME OF ANY TYPE WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE OR WHEN WORKING ON OR NEAR ANY FUEL-RELATED COMPONENT. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE MIXTURES ARE ALWAYS PRESENT AND MAY BE IGNITED, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

WARNING: METHANOL AND ETHANOL FUELS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. USE ONLY THE CORRECT FUEL AS PRESCRIBED ON THE FUEL FILLER DOOR OR ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.